First published 2013
Modern feminism needs an update for women who refuse to choose between lipstick and liberation. Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and Heather Wood Rudúlph argue that contemporary culture weaponizes sexuality against women while simultaneously demanding they embrace it. Their solution sidesteps both the radical politics of Second Wave feminism and the outdated approaches of Third Wave movements. Instead, they propose an inclusive framework where miniskirts, lip gloss, and personal grooming choices coexist with feminist principles. The authors tackle workplace gender dynamics, body image pressures, fashion choices, romantic relationships, and sexual autonomy through practical advice and cultural analysis. They address how slut shaming, concern trolling, and impossible standards of "having it all" make feminist thinking more necessary than ever. The book combines actionable guidance with pop culture insights to help readers define their own version of feminist identity. Rather than abstract theory, Armstrong and Rudúlph focus on everyday decisions and real world applications that matter to busy modern women.
Genres: gender-studies, feminism, sexuality, non-fiction, 21st-century, womens-studies
Vibes: intimate, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: gender-identity, gender-roles
Period: 21st-Century
258 pages · Kindle Edition · Mariner Books
Content warnings: sexism